Teohlogy@Bookfest KLCC

"There's nothing that can replace reading. Words generate imagination" -Patrick Teoh

The last day of the KLCC Bookfest on September 4 saw the venue packed with an eager crowd. Since it was the last day sale after all, like yours truly, most had the feeling that they must buy something (or anything!) since they had taken the trouble to come all the way.

To my delight, I arrived promptly without any trouble (it was my first time driving to KLCC!) and was in the nick of the time to catch an author's sharing session, and it was none other than Patrick Teoh!

Without hesitation, I bought the book and got myself seated in the audience.

The very engaging and charismatic Patrick Teoh did a great job at connecting with the audience and kept them entertained with his witty sense of humour.

"My book is about what the typical Malaysians talk about in the mamak (stalls) daily", said Patrick Teoh.

He jokes about being an actual 'author' as he explains that his Teohlogy book is actually a compilation of his (Teohlogy) columns featured in Off The Edge magazine which he had been writing for 5 years until it became defunct.

"My son said, Daddy, you are not an author leh, you are a compiler," said Patrick, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Patrick Teoh is the voice of the ordinary Malaysian as he explores (in his book) about the things in public and private life that frustrates us.

During the sharing session, he drew on personal examples, which worked quite well to amuse and entertain the crowd.

"It (Teohlogy) is about the life in Malaysia... politics... social issues..." Patrick briefed.

"Not much has changed in Malaysia," he muses.

"Since back in 2005, things have pretty much remained the same, and what I've been writing about are the thoughts and complains that still affect us until (the present) 2011. On how things have improved or not."

Patrick then asked the audience to refer to his book and proceeded to read an excerpt from the chapter "Duyung Sampan" to elaborate on his point made earlier.

"By the way, I am still writing for the (Teohlogy) column in The Selangor Times", Patrick informed the crowd and urged people, the Selangorians in particular, to pick up a copy of The Selangor Times as it contains useful news and information on the state.

(Apologies, I wasn't aware of the Selangor Times' existence!)

For a brief moment, Patrick then shed some light on the generation nowadays and laments that his children have also not escaped the compelling grip of modern technology.

"You people here ah, look at the baskets that are full now, I can guarantee half of the books are coming from that side," said Patrick pointing to the Children's book section. He highlighted the fact that most parents are buying books for their children to read, and not reading enough themselves! once again making the crowd laughed out loud.

"There's nothing that can replace reading, not the TV, not the iPad."

"Words generate imagination".

(Nice saying!, but Patrick seems to have forgotten the iPad has e-books stored on it?)

Before ending the session, Patrick talked about his current occupation, which includes: running 2 restaurants, one in PJ and another in KL, being a full-time writer (who also blogs), and at times a working actor in film & TV.

"You can see me soon in In Perfect Harmony, it's the 40th anniversary celebration of The Star, taking place at KLPAC", says Patrick, asking the crowd to Google it if they are interested.

He cheekily asked the crowd to "come and support me lah" before the MC announced the cue for the autograph session.

(No idea why the photo turned out like this! But) That's me talking to Patrick as he signs my book.)

*Curiousplayfan is an avid reader of The Bangsar Boy column and wonders if it is possible for it to be published into a book. Katz Tales and Teohlogy seems to be doing well at any rate:)